UAE’s new visa rules to become effective in September this year
The UAE government revised its visa policy for foreigners, easing the visa application process and increasing visa validity, among several other relaxations, as part of efforts to further strengthen the UAE’s position as an ideal destination to live, work, and invest.
“The new Entry and Residence Scheme offers 10 types of entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits. New visas require no host or sponsor, offer more flexibility, multi-entry, 60 days validity and one unified platform” to apply for visas.
The new visa policy, which becomes effective in September 2022, in some cases, allows people who enter as visitors to stay for 60 days rather than 30 days at present.
“The new rules will support sustainable development and the economic diversity policy in the country by attracting skilled workers, talents, professionals, specialists, and experts,” said Ali Mohammad Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security. “The new scheme will ease procedures, adding new advantages and end the link between residency and the work sponsor and enhance the quality of life,” he added.
10 types of UAE visas
- Tourism
- Visit relatives or friends
- Temporary work
- Explore job opportunities
- Explore business opportunities
- Medical treatment
- Study of training
- Diplomatic affairs
- Emergency
- GCC residents
The new Entry and Residence Scheme offers 10 types of entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits. New visas require no host or sponsor, offer more flexibility, multi entry, 60 days validity and one unified platform to apply at pic.twitter.com/0PsCJYaoyR
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022
New benefits for family members
The revised visa guidelines particularly offer more benefits for family members. For example, a parent can now sponsor a male child to the age of 25 years, up from 18. A parent can sponsor an unmarried daughter indefinitely.
Residency permits
The new system for residence visas and entry permits offers new types of residence permits for investors, skilled employees, self-employment and family members. The new types provide customized benefits to each category.
The new system for residence visas and entry permits offers new types of residence permits for investors, skilled employees, self-employment and family members. The new types provide customized benefits to each category. pic.twitter.com/7JI8qjMsKm
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022
Green Residence Visa
Under revised guidelines, the Green Visa, which earlier provided residence for two years only, now offers five years of residency to skilled employees, without a sponsor or employer.
- The visa holder can bring his or her family members
- The visa holder has six months grace period after the residency expires or is canceled
- Children of determination are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age
- Green Residency holders can bring their first-degree relatives into the country too
It is for:
- Skilled workers (The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the salary should not be less than AED15,000)
- Freelancers and self-employed individuals (The annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should not be less than AED360,000, or that the applicant proves financial solvency throughout his/her stay in the country)
- Investors seeking to establish or participate in commercial activities (Requirements include approval of the investment and proof of investment)
Visit Visa
The new model offers flexible and multi-entry of visit visa holders for up to one year.
- It does not require sponsorship for arrival
- It offers 60 days of validity and one platform to apply at
- A job exploration visa, introduced to attract young talents and skilled professionals, does not require a sponsor or a host.
- An exploration visa, introduced to attract investors to explore investment opportunities inside the UAE, also does not require a sponsor or host
Tourist Visa
A five-year multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced in addition to the regular tourist visa. It does not require a sponsor and it allows the person to stay in the country for up to 90 continuous days, provided that the entire period of stay does not exceed 180 days in one year.
This visa requires proof of having a bank balance of US$4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months prior to submitting the application.
Job Exploration Entry Visa
This visa is introduced to attract young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities in UAE. It does not require a sponsor or a host. It is granted to those classified in the first or second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world and the minimum educational level should be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Business Entry Visa
This type enables easy entry without requiring sponsors or hosts to encourage investors and entrepreneurs to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.
Entry Permit to Visit Relatives or Friends
A visitor can apply for this entry permit if he/she is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident. It does not require a sponsor or a host.
Entry Permit for a Temporary Work Mission
This type is ideal for those who have a temporary work assignment like probation testing or a project-based mission, and is sponsored by the employer. It requires a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer clarifying the visit purpose and proof of health.
Entry Permit for Study and Training
This visa is for those planning for training and study courses and/or participating in internship progras. The sponsor can be universities or educational or research institutions licensed in the country or government or private entities. It requires a letter from the entity, clarifying the details of the study or training or internship program and its duration.
Golden Visa categories
Golden Residence Scheme is a long-term 10-year residency offered to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. According to the new rules:
- There will be no restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE to keep the Golden Residence visa valid.
- A Visa holder can sponsor his/her family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their age
- Visa holders can sponsor support services (domestic) laborers without limiting their number
- In the event of death, visa holder’s family members can stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration
Golden Visa for real estate investors
This visa category aims to support and boost investment in the real estate sector in UAE.
- Real estate investors purchasing one or more off-plan properties worth no less than Dh2 million ($540,000) will be eligible for a Golden Residence.
- Investors purchasing a property with a loan from specific local banks of UAE will also be entitled to such visa
- With an aim to support and boost investment in the property sector by having new benefits in the Golden Residence for investors in this vital sector.
Golden residency for scientists
Scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their respective fields get this Residency. To be eligible:
- One must have a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.
- The candidate must have a Ph.D. or a master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from the best universities in the world
- The applicant must have substantial research achievements
Golden residency for professionals
This visa category aims at attracting highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in emerging disciplines including engineering, sciences and technology, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences. To qualify for this residency:
- The candidate must have a valid employment contract in the UAE
- The candidate must be classified in the first or second occupational level based on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification.
- The candidate should have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- The monthly salary should be at least Dh30,000
Golden residency for exceptional talents
This residence is granted to top talents in vital fields. It is awarded based on talent only, regardless of the educational qualification or employment status or the monthly salary, or professional level.
Golden Residence for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs eligible to obtain the Golden Residence should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the country in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) category and generates annual revenues of not less than AED1 million. Obtaining approval for the startup from an official business incubator or from the Ministry of Economy is also required.
Moreover, if the person is a founder (one of the founders) of a previous entrepreneurial project(s) that was sold for a total of not less than AED7 million, he/she will be entitled to the Golden Residence. The approval of the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities is required for projects or ideas.
Golden Visa for Outstanding Students and Graduates
This residence targets high-performing students in UAE secondary schools, and outstanding graduates from UAE universities and the best 100 universities worldwide.
Aiming at attracting and retaining talents, the UAE updates the Golden Residence rules as a part of the new Entry and Residence Scheme. The scope of beneficiaries is expanded offering more benefits including 10 years renewable residence pic.twitter.com/WwWWBWh9jY
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022